Elaia

Did the four course prix fixe with wine pairing. Excellent. Loved every single bite. It was definitely on the expensive side, but you could certainly go and spend significantly less than I did on my birthday.

Had been to Olio for a brief lunch on my last work trip into the area and was determined to make it back to its more sophisticated brother in the near future. That materialized in a terrific meal I had here just before the holidays.
Set in a small room, tastefully decorated, I was one of 3 in attendance. Allowed for impeccable service throughout.
Went with a 4 course option as laid out on the interesting menu. Meal began with the corvina pastrami. Artfully presented, and the pastrami seasoning on the fish really shined though. Tasty.
Next came the most interesting course of the night, a deliciously seared fillet of Spanish mackerel with charred romaine and a «Caesar» dressing that the server informed me was made by the visiting Israeli mother of one of the chefs. Apparently the homemade dressing was emulsified with a hard boiled egg. However it was created, the net result was incredibly good.
The final savory course (entrée) was a prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin medallion served with spaetzle (a favorite), rapini and some incredible mushrooms. Pork was cooked flawlessly. A great marriage of flavor and texture.
Dessert may have been my favorite course, remarkable given its rather simplistic flavor profile and delivery. It was a «chouquette» — a locally made cream puff filled with salted caramel mousse in a pool of caramel sauce. Insanely good, and one of the 5 best desserts I had all year.
A well thought out wine list that leans old-​world Mediterranean, with the ability to pair to the courses was a great touch.
All told, the best meal I’ve ever had in Missouri.

Was looking for somewhere special for an anniversary dinner. We’d been to Olio several times but never made it to dinner. The experience was fun and enjoyable. We went with the tasting menus with wine pairing. Good through out with a few excellent choices with a few mixed results. Still recommend for the experience. Small, intimate with attentive service.

My wife and I have dined here previously and, consistent with many other reviewers, always had fine experiences. We returned for our anniversary for a meal after a cocktail at a favorite bar. It was a weeknight, and fairly quiet. Overall, the food was Excellent, the server and service were very good (especially the wine pairing with the evening’s menu-​thanks, Tom!). Unfortunately, the total experience of the meal was very much polluted by the ambiance that evening. While I am OK with business casual attire in fine dining establishments, the diner directly in my field of view was wearing a badly stained baseball cap on backwards and I also had a steady view of the ripped and stained armpits of his T-​shirt while he leaned on his table throughout the meal. When I asked a server if this was acceptable attire, he just shrugged his head. For me, this is totally inappropriate in an environment where you’re spending $ 300 on dinner for two and the atmosphere is supposedly consistent with a romantic/​classy/​upscale dining experience. Sadly, I feel we must cross Elia off our «favorites» list as there are too many other fine local restaurants where this would not be an issue (or it would be addressed).

My wife and I went to Elaia. The food was quite good with a nice simple creative menu, each course better than the one before. So why three stars? We ordered wine and the four course prix fixe. Each time something arrived the waiter wanted to give us a full rundown of each dish, the ingredients, etc. with four courses and wine this made it really hard to have a sustained conversation. It seemed that the restaurant was demanding to be the focus of the night. Yes, the food was quite nice, but I don’t think I’ll come back here.

Folks, this may be my new favorite!
My husband and I hosted our Fine Dining Meetup here on Saturday night, 12÷5÷15, for 8. To give some background, we do this regularly and the people who are part of our group are true fine dining foodies. We’ve all eaten at some of the best restaurants both in and outside of the St. Louis area. My point being… we don’t mind spending money for great food and service and we know what great food and service look, feel and tastes like.
So, this was our first trip to Elaia. I made my reservation by calling the establishment directly and was greeted by a cheerful voice and I ended the call feeling like our business was truly appreciated. Great start!
The day before our reservation, I received a call to confirm. I love it when a restaurant does this. It saves me from having to place the call myself and it shows they are organized and still aware of our visit. Another point for great service!
We arrived ~20 mins early and we were offered to be seated. I love it when this happens. While I understand the need to sometimes keep you waiting until your reserved time, I love it when the table is ready a few mins early and we can get started on drinks, reviewing the menu, asking questions, etc.
We were directed up a short staircase into another world. It was dimly lit, the color palette is soft and so inviting, the décor is a mix of rustic, classic, nouveau and a touch of modern. There was a moderate noise level comprised of tinkling glasses, the soft sounds of happy customers, the click of silverware against stoneware, laughter, and a few industrious sounds from the open kitchen. It truly is a beautiful mix, like a symphony written for, and about, food!
Our group was seated in a niche just perfect for a table of eight. We had our own gas fireplace, a window overlooking the street and just enough privacy to make us feel special without feeling isolated. It really was the perfect spot! A young man (owner, manager, I don’t know; he didn’t introduce himself, but he should have) took our coats, started the fire and began serving water. Very shortly all 8 of us were seated.
A quick note about the table setting. It was beautiful! There is great attention to detail. From the chargers, to bread plates with proper butter knives, to chilled carafes of water (set on silver trays) to beautiful stemware for water glasses. Eggshell-​colored linens on the table and burgundy linen napkins, and these very unique wooden chairs. It all made for a very grand setting. Additionally, mixed drinks were served in beautiful glasses (all different), and proper glasses were used for the red and whites. The reds were placed on tiny silver trays with the corks. The whites (or in our case a suggested Riesling) were placed in a chilled bucket just off to the side. The bread comes on small wooden bread boards. Lastly, there are also lighted oil flames in beautiful, tiny stemmed glasses. The table was a true sensation for the eyes!
On to dinner! Our server was Julie. She was polite, knowledgeable, efficient, gracious, helpful and truly did a fabulous job of managing all 8 of us. We have high expectations and we dine for the experience as much as the food. She did not disappoint. She welcomed us, explained the menu (it’s based on a Chef’s Tasting Prix Fixe format, although a la cart is an option), managed drink requests, poured water, answered questions and did it all with apparent ease and comfort. Another win for great service!
As for dinner, as mentioned, it’s a Prix Fixe format, four courses, four choices per course with the exception of dessert which offered three choices. The price this night was $ 75 per person. VERY reasonable for the quality in my opinion. If all four courses were not for you, you could choose at a per course cost.
Course 1: Sturgeon Pastrami, Tartare of Lamb, Cry Cured Beef, Tuna Prosciutto. ALL were delicious! Course 2: Winter Root Veggie Soup, Sea Scallop (OMG!), Organic Hen Egg, Sweetbreads Schnitzel Sandwich. Course 3: Local Pork, Sturgeon, Saddle of Lamb, Filet of Beef. Again, All delicious! Course 4: Salted Caramel «Chouquette», Olive Oil Cake, Featured cheese. Not ONE complaint from the table! The dishes were imaginative, unexpected, fresh and flavorful. The lemon focaccia deserves an honorable mention and the Chouquette from the bakery across the street is awesome! The rye bread came from Provisions and was also delicious.
The wine was a tad overpriced, but that is our only complaint… and that’s being VERY picky!
We will be back. It’s worth it!

I have been to this place twice and each time has been perfect. The first time was by far the best because there were just two of us and we walked in with out a reservation and the service was beyond incredible.
First of all, the tasting menu was only 65 dollars. Although it was only four courses (which was plenty I assure you) NO WHERE on the planet can you get that and the food actually be authentic and delicious.
When my partner and I go to places like this, we like for the service team to pick for us. We hand back the menus, explain that we like EVERYTHING, because we really do, and ask them to surprise us. AND oh boy did they! We also asked for the wait staff to surprise us with interesting wines to pair with each dish.
It was the most perfect experience. And the end desert of coffee affogato was simply the most amazing affogato I have ever had.
Thank you Elaia Team, we will return!

Fabulous and memorable meal from start to finish. Complex flavors, artfully presented in a warm and subdued space! Huge win for the St. Louis dining scene.

Went for the 4 course prix fixe menu. It’s a fusion cuisine. My friend got the bubbly cocktail that was really good. The courses were good, my favorite was the goat main course course and the olive oil cake with tahini ice cream for the dessert course. The staff were very friendly and the service was great!

Elaia was great, don’t get me wrong. I have three bones to pick, though, and then I’ll get to what I had to eat.
1.) When we sat down, our server told us they had a «full bar» and could make «pretty much anything.» When it came to dessert time, I requested decaf coffee with Baileys. Apparently their «full bar» doesn’t house any Baileys. I didn’t understand this, and it was utterly frustrating.
2.) Every single time they’d bring us a course, they’d read exactly what the menu said back to us — every ingredient, and every single time they did this, I said in my head: «Why are you re-​telling me what I ordered? Why not tell me where this beef is sourced? Why not tell me how the foie gras parfait is prepared? Why not tell me something other than what I already know?»
3.) Their menu on their website isn’t up-​to-​date. There is nothing more frustrating than falling in love with menu items via a restaurant’s website, only to arrive and them to not exist that evening. It takes but a few minutes to update your website (even if your menu changes daily, which didn’t seem the case here, maybe weekly or monthly), and that is the first thing your customers look at before booking a reservation.
Now, onto the food.
Course 1: Parfait of Foie Gras — This was incredible. The parfait was served almost as a dollop — cool, tasteful, and spreadable. It was incredible. Served with a piece of perfectly toasted brioche, and a tart cherry salad. I didn’t want it to end.
Course 2: Smoked Whitefish Stuffed Tortelli — This was also incredible, yet left me wanting more. Served in a very salty buttery cream sauce, with some great smoked whitefish inside the house made tortelli. I just wanted another flavor in there — I’m not sure what — it was just overly creamy, buttery, and salty.
Course 3: Filet of Beef — Cooked perfectly with potato purée, red wine reduction, and some long beans. There was nothing wrong with this course, and it was larger than I was expecting.
Course 4: Dark Chocolate Ice Cream — I was expecting to be let down by this — but no way. It was far better than the Olive Oil Cake that the person I attended with got. Perfect portion, with just one scoop of ice cream on top of a mint anglaise and crushed hazelnuts. All I wanted more was some crème fraîche on top.
Alas, Elaia was great, but I’m not sure we’ll be back.

THE BEST MEAL WE’VE HAD IN ST. LOUIS!!!
my husband and I came here for our anniversary and had an amazing experience! we opted for the ten course tasting menu with wine pairings. it was expensive but we do not regret it. we thought the food was so innovative and inspired. can’t believe how the unique combinations of different foods worked so freaking well. most of the wine pairings (not a fan of dessert wine) were perfect and complemented our meal so amazingly! it was quite exciting. now, onto the food…
the tartare of lamb and carrot was one of my favorites. it was difficult not to shovel it into my mouth. the microgreens, so little but it really enhanced the flavors of the dish. AMAZING!
butter-​cured sea scallop was also wonderful. slices of scallop alternating with slices of fresh peach on top of chilled corn soup and sweet corn succotash. who would have guessed that scallop, peach, and corn would be so wondrous! I nearly licked this bowl clean.
clearly I loved our entire meal so let’s move on…
they personalized our menu and dessert by writing «happy anniversary.» I thought it was a very sweet and thoughtful gesture. little things like this can go a long way.
the space is cozy and warm.
we loved our server, amy. she was very knowledgable, easy going, and accommodating. I also thought it was awesome that the chef came out and served a few courses himself. it really shows his love for the job and the people he cooks for. he’s not confined to his kitchen and enjoys serving his diners which is a great and rare quality for a chef.
hats off to you, chef!

Food: 3.5
Service: 3.5
Ambiance: 4
Overview: great restaurant, but over-​priced.
Food:
We had the 10 or so course tasting menu in the fall of 2014. The food was good, but not memorable, except for one dessert. If you’re going to pay this much for a tasting menu, Niche (maybe even Farmhaus) is a better choice. The portions were too small and the pacing of the meal was at times nearly glacial. We gorged ourselves on the bread while waiting and still left hungry.
Service:
The service mainly takes a hit due to the terribly slow pacing of the meal. Everything else about the service was generally on point, notwithstanding some slow refills and slight up-​selling.
Ambiance:
The décor and setting were interesting, and the tables have sufficient privacy without feeling too isolated. But we might have had the worst seats in the house, right next to the entryway into the restaurant. And not being in a neighborhood that lends itself to a nice after-​dinner walk (such as the CWE or Clayton) does count against the restaurant.
Maybe Elaia is still finding its legs. But it’s not off and running at these prices.

#AsianLadyLikes Not saying anything new, that you haven’t read already… The venue itself is worth checking out — it’s eclectic, cozy, and service is tremendous! Anything with their lamb is amazing, cocktails potent, and the food is well prepared. We went for the four course option, and it complex, delicious and perfectly portioned… Make sure to ask for recommendation from the staff, they won’t steer you wrong.

For the prices they charge, the food really should be better. (I fortunately was there on business so didn’t pay myself.) The food seems to be Italian inspired but the ingredients don’t really go together. The best part of the meal was the tapenade that came with the bread. I’d recommend skipping this place unless someone else is paying.

Great vibe to this place — energy, look, personality of the staff, and music. I ate at the bar and the bartender was so passionate about the menu as she described different dishes, I love that! I ordered the olives, zucchini carpaccio, and broccoli salad. And a root beer from Australia. I was not in the mood to drink and I wasn’t that hungry. Everything was very good including the bread (from Fazio’s on the Hill). I look forward to coming back to try more!
I ate at Olio but accidentally thought I was at Elaia! Oops… oh well… Olio is the more casual of the pair on the same property!

Let me start by saying I had perhaps the best meal ever in STL. We had dinner here and went with the fixed 4 course meal and added in the wine paring. The portions were just right, the plates all equally tasty and terrific and the wine parings right on, with the wines matched expertly. Service was excellent and and everything came out in a timely manner. It’s expensive, but you get a great memorable meal here.

Impeccable service! Great for special occasions!
We went for an anniversary celebration and had a wonderful experience! Andrey Ivanov is a wonderfully knowledgeable sommelier. The staff is extremely attentive. The food was very well executed. We had the 4 course dinner and I initially had concerns about the portion sizes, but we left full and satisfied. It makes me happy to see restaurants like this elevating the St. Louis dining scene!

We experienced the 10-​course tasting menu last night, and it was spectacular… hands down the best meal we’ve ever had, including Michelin-​starred restaurants in Paris and DC. We did not opt for the full wine pairing option, but the few tastes we had were perfect, highlighting and accenting the artful and complex flavors.

The jury is still out on Elaia for me.
Maybe I am old school, but when i spend 100+ pp for dinner I expect first and foremost perfectly cooked proteins. I would like to have them presented in creative manner and with well thought-​through garnish that compliment and bring complexity to the flavor profile and texture, but at end of the day, if my proteins are not done exactly right, the creativity becomes a moot point.
For dinner, my pork loins were a little too lean, my lamb medallions were a little too overdone, and my chocolate tort needed just a little more sweetness. No points docked for the salmon or the sea scallops ceviche (the passion fruit brought the perfect citric note to the ceviche — ingenuous!). Perhaps it is not fair to judge a restaurant based on highly personal preferences. The woman next table might like her pork with no fat and her lamb mostly done. This meal would have been five stars for her. While I recognize this, I feel the real issue is that Elaia is priced just a tad higher than its competitive peers in this town, and from this one experience, I feel pretty ambivalent on whether that incremental cost is justified.
Dinner — 3.5 stars. Service — 5 stars (yes, thank you for explaining everything on my plate instead of dropping them off and leave). Bar while waiting — 5 stars (John really is one of the best bar managers in town, always perceptive and quick on his feet). I’ll roundup to a 4 (even though Olio is technically a different space).

Visited Elaia last weekend and enjoyed the 4-​course prix-​fixe. They let you pick and choose your courses and had plenty of options, which was nice.
1. I had lamb tartare. It was served with sunchoke chips and crispy brussels sprouts, as well as a sunchoke foam and some olive oil. It was good but, I wasn’t crazy about the brussels sprouts. I wish there were a few more sunchoke chips on the plate instead of the sprouts, as they were the perfect crunchy complement to the lamb.
2. This course stole the show. It was a «stew» of black rice (and some other grains) a few diced berries, diced pig ear, and beef broth, topped with an egg yolk poached in olive oil. My word, this stuff was amazing. The broth was so rich that every bite tasted like the greatest pot roast I’ve ever had. Texturally, it was similar to steel cut oats, with the pig ear providing the occasional crunch and a burst of saltiness. Hands down, this is one of the most powerfully flavorful things I’ve ever eaten and is in my top-​10 best dishes ever. If you like beef, you need to eat this. I was nerding out with every bite and I think my girlfriend sensed that this stew was competing against her for my affections… and winning.
3. This was a beef course and I had the option of filet or braised short rib. I chose short rib and it was excellent. Fall-​apart tender, and rich. It was served with a fermented mashed potato, a sweet potato, and and duxelles, as well as an very rich beef gravy. The course was good, but was served at a temperature that toed the line, not quite hot enough, but not cold by any means.
4. I had the chocolate tart for dessert and wasn’t too impressed. It wasn’t sweet enough and I just didn’t get a lot of flavor from any of the coconut, chili, or other included elements.
I also opted for a cocktail instead of wine. I had the Remember the Maine, which was rye, vermouth, cherry liqueur, and absinthe. I was complex and delicious with a great absinthe finish that lingered but didn’t overpower.
To sum up my meal: Two 3-​star courses (#1 and #3), a 2-​star dessert (#4), and a five-​star course (#2) make an average of 3.25, but the excellent service bumps this review up to four stars. I think Elaia has a lot of potential, but their kitchen needs to execute every dish as well as that stew.
Parking is readily available, the atmosphere is quant and romantic, and the hosts/​staff/​servers were extremely attentive and friendly. Obviously, they know their stuff regarding wines and they’re happy to suggest cocktails and food items as well.